Yes, he's a huge collector.
I think he's the same guy that bought a Super Mario Kart proto with differences like music.
He's not really of fan of releasing his protos, but I think he also is/was the owner of the SMB2 proto that did get leaked out.

$12,000 would buy over a ton of Cool Ranch Doritos. (Going by K-Mart prices because Walmart & Target won't sell them online, not accounting for shipping but allowing for tax, factoring from the 13.5oz size bags.)